Keeping pace with a changing workforce

The world we live in is changing fast, so whether you’re considering your career path, entering the workforce or changing occupation, Australian Jobs 2026 gives you the data to understand today’s labour market and into the future.    

The latest publication from Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) informs readers about the occupations, industries and skills of our labour market, so they can make informed decisions about careers, training and workforce planning in a transforming economy.  

Australian Jobs helps readers navigate the workforce confidently by highlighting the skills that employers are looking for and the interesting work offered by a range of careers.  

The report found:  

• In 2025, Health Care and Social Assistance was the largest employing industry in Australia, reflecting an ageing population and increases in disability services and childcare.  

• 21% of employers will consider applicants who do not have relevant experience, and this is even higher in lower skilled occupations such as Food Preparation Assistants (63%) and Sales Assistants and Salespersons (46%).  

• ‘Professionals’ is the largest employing occupation group in Australia, with employment growing 5.1% over the past year with females making up 56% of the cohort. Some of the larger employing occupations within this group include Registered Nurses, Accountants and Software and Application Programmers.  

For more than 30 years, Australian Jobs has been providing a comprehensive view of the labour market, breaking the data down by geography, industry and occupation.   

Australian Jobs 2026 is available on the JSA website: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/publications/australian-jobs-2026  

Quotes Attributable to Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner, Professor Barney Glover:  

“Australian Jobs 2026 empowers readers with the data and analysis to understand today’s labour market.” 

“When Australian Jobs was first published in the mid-1990s, many of the jobs that we talk about now didn’t even exist which demonstrates how quickly the job market changes.  

“This publication is a 'one-stop shop’ resource that helps with applying for jobs, navigating the interview process and providing information on education and training options across VET and university.”  

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